Rules were made to be broken! Update your routine with these new and improved beauty standards.

Old rule: Steer clear of blue eye shadows.

Old rule: Steer clear of blue eye shadows.

Blue shadows get a bad rap for looking tacky. Sure they’re harder to pull off than neutral shades, but it can be done — and with beautiful effect. For fairer complexions, a sheer wash of pastel blue with hints of gray can help enhance eyes, says Petra Strand, founder of Pixi cosmetics. Olive and medium skin tones can handle bejeweled-laden lids, while darker skin tones can get away with rich, vibrant pops of statement blues. Experiment with a palette, like Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumieres 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in 5 Riviera ($51, amazon.com), that houses a wide range, from dusty blue to navy.

If you’ve got a stunning pair of baby blue eyes, avoid matching the shadow to your irises. Pair a pastel with dark blue eyes and navy with lighter eyes for contrast.

Old rule: Wear bronzer only in summer.

Old rule: Wear bronzer only in summer.

While a sun-kissed glow is more believable in the summer, you can still warm up an ashen complexion with the right dose of bronzer during dreary months. “To ensure that it looks natural, use bronzer sparingly and build up rather,” says Strand. “Lightly buff across the highest points of the face [the bridge of the nose and cheekbones], the décolletage, ears, and the back of hands for continuity.”

To create a more natural look, Strand recommends a larger fluffy brush, as smaller ones are denser and tend to go on heavier in application. Lastly, save the mattes for the summer since they have a deeper effect. Opt for light-reflecting shimmers, instead. A great matte tan to try is Laura Geller Baked Impressions Bronzer ($38, qvc.com). For shimmery bronzers, Strand likes Pixi Beauty Bronzer ($21, pixibeauty.com).